More Information:

Other Common Names
Tang Kuei, Dong Quai, Tang Kwei, Chinese Angelica Root

Page Number In Radiant Health
181

Pharmaceutical Latin
Radix Angelica

Pinyin
Dang Gui

Treasures
Blood

Treasure Rating
****1/2

Atmospheric Energy
Warm

Taste
Sweet, Acrid, Bitter,

Organ Meridian Systems
Heart, Liver, Spleen

Primary Functions
Blood tonic, blood stimulant, menstruation-corrective, analgesic

Qualities
Dang Gui is one of the most famous and widely used herbs in the world. It is commonly described as the supreme “woman’s herb,” and as the “queen of Chinese herbs.” It is also very commonly used by men as a component of tonic formulations. Dang Gui is most well known for its two primary functions: 1. as a potent and effective blood tonic, and 2. as a gynecological regulator.

As a blood tonic, Dang Gui is almost incomparable. Few herbs in the world as either as safe or as potent as blood tonics. It is commonly used by millions of people to treat common anemia. It can be used after an illness, injury or surgery to rebuild red blood cells and to increase blood volume. It is very commonly used by women to build blood. It is most frequently used after a woman’s menstrual period has concluded, in order to replenish blood which has been lost. Dang Gui is found in numerous general tonic formulations as part of the blood-building component of the formula. Men as well as women benefit from strong blood.

Dang Gui is Chinese herbalism’s most important gynecological herb. It is used in almost all formulas designed to treat dysmenorrhea and other menstrual disturbances. It has an analgesic action in the case of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) which is attributed to its biphasic, regulating effect on the uterus. Dang Gui is mildly sedative and soothing to nervous disorders and excessive emotionalism.

Dang Gui is routinely used to treat amenorrhea, infertility, premenstrual syndrome and menopausal distress. It is generally combined with other herbs to suit the condition and the constitution of the woman. These Dang Gui-based formulations are extraordinarily effective and they are safe. Some of these formulations may be consumed as health-promoting tonics. They help regulate the menstrual functions and prevent degeneration of the reproductive system. Therefore, Dang Gui is used in many Chinese youth preserving formulations. It is included in most beauty tonics. The herb has in fact been found to benefit the complexion by improving circulation in the skin, and by detoxifying, and thus helping to clear blemishes. It is almost always included in formulations designed to detoxify the skin and is used to treat urticaria, eczema, neurodermatitits, pruritus, vitiligo, rosacea, alopecia and pigment diseases.

Although some Western physicians do not recommend the use of Dang Gui during pregnancy because of a misunderstanding of its actions, this herb is used by virtually every pregnant woman in China, and has been for many centuries. It has been demonstrated that during pregnancy, Dang Gui exerts an inhibitory action on the uterus, which the Chinese believe helps “stabilize the fetus” and prevents spontaneous miscarriage. In addition, the vitamin E and folic acid in Dang Gui contribute to the stability of the pregnancy. Dang Gui helps prevent inflammation in the pelvic cavity and therefor has protective benefits to the pregnant woman besides stabilizing the fetus and preventing anemia.

Scientific Data
The root of Angelica sinensis contains a small but potent quantity of volatile oil (0.2-0.4%) of which about 35-50% is ligustilide. The characteristic aroma associated with Radix Angelica is the result of a volatile oil called n-butylidene phthalide and a “fragrant-lemon” lactone. The root contains vitamin B12 (0.25-0.4mg/100 g.), nicotinic acid, folic acid, folinic acid, biotin and vitamins A and E and sucrose. In addition, it contains a fixed oil, palmitic acid, b-sitosterol, b-sitosteryl palmitate, ferulic acid, succinic acid, uracil and adenine.

Experiments on a variety of animals and studies done with humans have shown that Angelica sinensis has a regulatory, biphasic action on the pregnant and non-pregnant uterus. A component of the volatile oil, which works directly on the uterus, has been demonstrated to reduce rhythmic contractions of the uterus, resulting in muscular relaxation. The water-soluble and/or alcohol-soluble non-volatile substance of the herb, on the other hand, has a stimulating action on the uterus, which can result in strong uterine contraction.

Researchers now believe that the action of the herb on the uterus correlates with the functional state of the uterus. Experiments on rabbits has shown that when the intra-uterine pressure is not increased, Angelica sinensis
slightly inhibits contraction. This results in the relaxation of the uterine muscles and improves blood flow and local nutrition. On the other hand, when intra-uterine pressure increases, as in the case of pregnancy, uterine contraction decreases as a result of Angelica sinensis administration, allowing the muscles to relax, but ultimately allowing the uterine muscles to contract more efficiently at micturation.

Pharmacological studies indicate that Angelica sinensis does not have estrogenic action, contrary to earlier reports.

The hemotinic, or blood tonic, effect of Angelica sinensis is now attributed to its vitamin B12, folic acid, folinic acid, nicotinic acid and biotin contents. Angelica sinensis is also rich in the metal cobalt. Cobalt is the major element responsible of vitamin B12’s hemotinic (blood enriching) action. Experiments have shown that once vitamin B12 loses 0.01 gram of cobalt, its hemotinic effect immediately disappears. All

The herb exerts a complex influence on the vascular system. It appears that the volatile oil component tends to have a biphasic influence on blood pressure, first increasing it then decreasing it, while the non-volatile component decreases blood pressure. Numerous studies, however, indicate that the general result from taking Angelica sinensis is to mildly lower blood pressure.

Angelica sinensis has a biphasic action on the heart, in laboratory animals. Its predominant effect, however in animals is to lower cardiac excitability and to prolong the atrial refractory period. Angelica sinensis appears to improve myocardial blood flow. This action is greatly improved when Angelica sinensis is combined with Rhizoma Ligustici, and Flos Carthami). The herb has also been found to reduce triglycerides in humans.

The herb has been demonstrated to possess nonspecific immunologic functions, including the capacity to enhance phagocytic functions of macrophages. It also has anti-allergic activity and has been shown capable of decreasing allergic inflammation in the knee joints. It has been shown to have general anti-inflammatory and analgesic capacity with is 1.7 times more potent than that of sodium acetylsalicylate.

Angelica sinensis is capable of protecting laboratory animals against the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency.

Tang Kuei has been found to induce interferon production in human beings. It has been shown to have a weak inhibitory action against many pathogenic microbes, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and paratyphy, Staphylococcus aureus, and many others.

Primary Combinations
May be used alone, but is most commonly combined with other herbs. Combine with:

1. Ginseng Root or Codonopsis Root to tonify yin and yang, qi and blood
2. Ligusticum, Rehmannia (steamed) and White Peony to tonify blood and yin, improve blood circulation, to regulate menstrual functions and to relieve menstrual pain
3. Deer Antler to tonify Jing, blood and fluids, to fortify the Kidney and to sharpen the mind
4. Lycium fruit, Rehmannia (steamed) and Chrysanthemum flower to tonify yin and relieve false fire conditions resulting in red eyes, dizziness, etc.

Varieties and Grading
Dang Gui comes in a wide range of qualities. The best Dang Gui is large, clean and sweet. It has a pleasant yet potent fragrance that smells fresh. Such high grade Dang Gui comes from the north of China, from provinces such as Gansu and Shanxi. The best Dang Gui has higher content of volatile oils, accounting for its aroma and flavor. Lower grade Dang Gui is smaller and not as good smelling. Poor quality Dang Gui is not pleasant smelling or tasting, or it has little or no aroma. Old Dang Gui that lacks much fragrance or taste is fairly useless.

Contraindications
Dang Gui should not be used against your doctor’s orders. It should not be used by women with breast cancer.